What improvements would I get with a "better" preamp?

Upon recently upgrading significantly from an integrated amp (with tube preamp) to a preamp/amplifier, the way I explained it to my audiophile buddies was this.  The upgrade in the external DAC altered the audio image in a high level, clearly performer delineated soundstage; the upgrade in the preamp resulted in more "audio data" in each of those performer positions.  Of course every piece alters the sound signature as well.

First time in the very many years I have been fascinated and participating in the hifi experience that I was able to describe my experience in such a way relative to each piece of equipment.

On the NOS tube search/comparison front, I recommend you reach out to @chickenoregg He’s a nearly limitless font of information and has great inventory. I’ve gotten great 6NS7 and 12SN7s from him.

@decooney 

To @billpete - the PSVANE Co on the USA side was contacted by me last year about an older set that had seemed to have lost its luster.  It was determined the tubes were originally made around the time of end of pandemic, with some "known" issues. So, they agreed to replace the pair after me sending photos that I destroyed them [per their policy] with the original box/papers in photos to prove there would be no resale of those tubes. So, these were replaced by the same newer version PSVANE CV181 MKIIs, had something to do with different coating or something, dont recall exactly.  (These guys are are also members on this site, btw) and pop in once in a while. Thew new tubes have been in the front L/R position since.They sound nice for my setup.  

at the risk of creating a small sidebar here

i recently ordered a set of 101d horizon tubes from psvane for my lampizator dac... they arrived, supposed to be a matched pair, but one tube had bad silkscreen imprint, and was noisy at the outset .. melody first answered quickly when i raised this as an issue... but there has been no response for a few days now since i requested replacement given that the noisy tube has stayed noisy (some get quiet after being in the circuit for a while and settled in, but not in this case...)

so we shall see

Paging @psvaneaudio @psvane @psvaneofficial [whoever the official is]

See @jjss49 's post directly above.  Hopefully you can step in and ensure the tube replacement(s) issue gets resolved, as good as or better than you helped me out.

Please advise next steps for resolution, and then all of us here will be watching how it turns out for jjss49. Thank You   

Hello everyone, this is Melody.

Hi @jjss49 , I just took a moment to check, and it seems this order was not handled by me personally. The communication on Audiogon is currently being managed by my colleague Joe. I have just spoken with him, and he mentioned that he has already replied to you. However, it is possible that due to a system or network issue, the message was not successfully delivered, and he did not notice it either. We sincerely apologize for the delay and for keeping you waiting. He would like kindly asking whether you could break the faulty tube or cut the pins and send him a photo for confirmation. Once he receives it, he will promptly arrange a free replacement for you.

Please rest assured that this is fully in line with our after-sales policy, which is always open and transparent.

If anyone has any questions after purchasing our products, you are always welcome to contact our after-sales support email at any time.（[email protected]）

Thank you all very much for your support, understanding, and trust.